Sneezing? It May Be Time to Deep Clean Your Carpet

Allergens cause the immune system of some people to activate as it tries to fight off something it mistakenly thinks is harmful. The overreaction of the immune system causes common allergy symptoms like a chronic cough, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny or stuffy nose. The allergens sometimes cause asthmatics to suffer more attacks.

Carpets trap environmental allergens, and over time they can worsen how allergy sufferers feel when they spend time in a carpeted room.

Constant allergy symptoms often lead people to remove their carpet, but that is not necessary. A better choice is to find a way to remove more of the allergens from the material.

How Problems Begin

Pollen drifts into homes through window screens and open doors. Mold spores can grow in HVAC systems, wet basements, and many other areas. Many of these types of allergens travel inside on pets and people as well as through the air. Mold can even grow in a carpet if the air in the home has a high humidity level or if the carpet stays wet for too long for any reason.

Other allergens include those that come from specific home environmental factors like pet dander and cigarette smoke. One of the worst allergens for allergy sufferers is dust mites. Dust mites live almost everywhere. People that think they have an allergy to dust almost always have a sensitivity to the microscopic mites that live within the dust. 

When Allergies Start

People can live comfortably in carpeted homes for years before a problem begins. The fibers of the carpet trap the allergens and hold them in. The sneezing begins when the number of allergens increases. Walking on the carpet causes the pollen or other particulates in the material to become airborne where residents of the home inhale the irritants.

Why Vacuums Fail

Vacuums do help to remove some allergens but do better when they have a good quality HEPA filter. An older or lower end vacuum can send the allergens back into the air where they will resettle onto the carpet. Over time, any dust or other fine material can sink into the lower parts of the fibers where they become difficult to remove with even the best home systems.

When to Clean

Professional deep cleaning removes the allergens trapped in carpet fibers, even those that settle at the bottom over time. Professional equipment removes the dirt more effectively and does not return it to the environment. Commercial carpet cleaning equipment also extracts the water from the carpet more than household machines, so mold does not become a problem.

A deep cleaning schedule depends on the exposure the carpet has to potential allergens. A large family with pets and people running inside and out repeatedly may need a monthly service. A home with no pets that uses a modern climate control system all year may only have to deep clean once a year.

What to Change

It is possible to reduce the number of allergens in the air without carpet removal. Use static dusters to remove dust rather than push it to the floor. Buy a highly rated air purifier with a HEPA filter and replace old vacuums. Groom pets often to prevent the buildup of pet dander. Close windows when the pollen count rises and vacuum the screens at least weekly.

Clutter removal prevents the unnoticed buildup of dust. Remember that soft furnishings, bedding, and curtains can trap allergens like carpet. Keep these items clean as well. Make certain the home stays ventilated and do not allow anyone to smoke anything inside the home.

Homeowners install carpets because they want the warmth and comfort the soft flooring material offers. Allergy sufferers can live safely and comfortably in a carpeted home with the right help. At Smith-Mathis, we offer a deep cleaning service that removes stains, odors, and allergens for a healthier and more beautiful home. Contact us today.